Caterpillar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does Caterpillar do? 

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We offer services throughout the product life cycle. Cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise set Caterpillar apart, providing value to help our customers succeed.

Learn More About Caterpillar

What are Caterpillar's subsidiaries and brands?

Caterpillar Inc. has a portfolio of brands offering machines, engines, components, services and solutions to meet the unique needs of a variety of industries and customers around the world. Cat® is our flagship brand of products and services. Our customers are served by our independently owned and operated global Cat dealer network. Some of our brands include Progress Rail, Solar Turbines, Perkins and SEM.

Explore Our Brands

How do I contact Caterpillar?

Caterpillar is committed to providing the highest level of customer service. Click here to find different ways to contact Caterpillar.

Is Caterpillar on social media?

Caterpillar is an active participant in social media channels. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn are powerful tools that allow us to connect with our customers, investors, potential employees and fans. 

View Our Social Accounts

How many people work at Caterpillar?

Our talented team of 109,100 (YE2022) global employees is focused on creating sustainable, world-changing solutions that impact lives around the world. Learn more about our team and other facts about Caterpillar.

Where are Caterpillar's offices and facilities?

Caterpillar has about 150 primary locations around the world. View our global locations or find a local Cat® dealer.

In which countries does Caterpillar operate?

Where is Caterpillar headquartered?

Our headquarters and corporate office is in Irving, Texas, U.S.

What is Caterpillar's mission and vision?

Our company strategy reflects our legacy and our continuing commitment to meet the needs of our customers and the communities in which we live and work. United by our Values, Caterpillar employees around the world share a focused view of our business through the Operating & Execution Model, through which we are making strategic choices today to create profitable growth for tomorrow. Together, with our partners, we are providing the solutions that help our customers build a better world. 

Read About Our Strategy and Purpose

What are Caterpillar's values?

Our Worldwide Code of Conduct was first published in 1974. Our Values defines what we stand for and believe in.

Learn About Our Values

What is Caterpillar's organizational structure?

Caterpillar is led by Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby. Our corporate governance program ensures we serve the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders with the highest standards of responsibility, integrity and compliance with all laws. These standards are guided by our board of directors and global management team, who work to oversee the company’s actions, performance and governance policies.

Meet Our Board and Leaders

Why is Caterpillar named Caterpillar?

In 1904, Benjamin Holt replaced the rear wheels of a Holt steam tractor with a pair of tracks to help farmers deal with soft soil in their fields. During a machine test in 1905, the company photographer exclaimed that the machine crawled like a giant caterpillar.

Read the Story Behind Our Name

Who are Caterpillar’s founders?

Caterpillar was founded by merging the companies of two innovators, Benjamin Holt and C.L. Best. Holt and Best were industry pioneers who created products that transformed how our customers worked. 

Meet Our Founders

When and where was Caterpillar founded?

In 1925, the Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor Co. merged to form the Caterpillar Tractor Co., initially headquartered in San Leandro, California. The merger provided the company with the resources to invest in people and technology in order to provide customers with the highest quality products and services.

Learn More About the Merger

Can I visit the Corporate Archives and access the collection?

The Corporate Archives and its collection is only made available to internal staff. 

How can I get copies of history images or other assets?

Please complete the Logo/Photo Use Request Form in full to request the use of Caterpillar logos, images, videos, or assets. All requests must be submitted at least 30 days before using the materials. 

Where do I get copies of vintage product literature?

If the product is still supported, vintage product literature can be obtained from your local Cat dealer.

What if I have historical items  I would like to donate? 

If you have historical items you'd like to donate to our archives collection, please email the Corporate Archives at archives@cat.com.

How do I find out if Caterpillar is hiring?

At Caterpillar, your work matters. You will collaborate with talented teammates from around the world to design powerful solutions that wouldn't be possible without your unique perspective and experience. Learn more about career areas available to you and search current opportunities.

Does Caterpillar have internships/apprenticeships?

Caterpillar offers internships and apprenticeships where you can share your fresh perspective and big ideas. 

Explore Opportunities in Your Region

I applied for a job. When will I get a response?

Thank you for applying to join Team Caterpillar. If you experienced issues with your application or have questions about your application status, please contact the service center.

What’s your company’s policy on diversity?

We believe each person is unique and valued and are committed to ensuring that our workplace is diverse and representative of the customers we serve around the globe. Learn more about our diversity & inclusion journey.

How do I stay in the know about current job openings and news?

Join the Talent Network to be the first to know about the latest news, life as part of Team Caterpillar and current job openings. 

Sign Up Here

How do I contact Caterpillar Inc. Investor Relations?

For information on stock transfer agents or to request a meeting with Investor Relations, click here.

How do I invest in Caterpillar?

Caterpillar common stock is listed on the New York (NYSE: CAT) stock exchange in the United States and on stock exchanges in France and Switzerland. Click here for more information about stock trading history. 

What are recent mergers and acquisitions?

Recent corporate press releases, including material mergers and acquisitions, can be found in our newsroom.

Where can I find Caterpillar’s recent financial statements?

Caterpillar’s financial releases, company filings and retail stats are available in our Investor section of our website.

Does Caterpillar pay a dividend? 

The company's board of directors considers dividend action quarterly. Click here for more information about cash dividends paid by the company.

What is Caterpillar’s revenue?

Caterpillar’s financial releases, company filings and retail stats are available under Financials in our Investor section of our website. 

Where can I find Caterpillar’s historical stock prices?

Caterpillar’s historical stock quotes and other stock history information can be found under the stock info tab on our Investor section of our website. 

Where can I find Caterpillar’s quarterly retail statistics? 

Caterpillar’s quarterly retail statistics, current and historic, can be found under Financials on our Investor site of our website. 

What is the Caterpillar Foundation?

Founded in 1952, Caterpillar’s philanthropic organization, the Caterpillar Foundation, has contributed nearly $900 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by building resilient communities that thrive in a rapidly changing world. To learn more about the global impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, visit caterpillar.com/foundation. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

How do I find what organizations qualify for Matching Gifts?

The Caterpillar Foundation is proud to harness the passions of our employees and retirees to make an impact and create a better tomorrow through our Caterpillar Cares portal, which hosts the Matching Gifts Program, United Way Appeal, and American Red Cross Disaster Relief Matching Programs.

Are scholarships available?

The Caterpillar Foundation does not provide scholarships to individuals, Caterpillar dependents or employees. 

How to apply for a grant?

The Caterpillar Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. We directly solicit grant proposals from nonprofits that meet our strategic focus areas and predetermined geographical locations based on communities and regions in which we have the greatest numbers of employees.   

Where can I buy Cat® merchandise, clothing and apparel?

Cat® hats, boots, models, phones – and so much more. Caterpillar works with approved licensees to offer merchandise beyond our machines, engines and services. 

Find Licensed Caterpillar Merchandise

Where can I buy Cat® boots and footwear?

Shop our work boots (including steel toe), along with casual shoes and boots.

Where can I buy Cat® phones?

Discover our range of rugged smartphones, mobiles, tablets and accessories – designed to be strong, tough and durable. 

How do I become a licensee?

Appreciation for our brand extends far beyond those who use our machines, engines and services on the job. Consumers around the world, many of whom have never had an experience with our core products, purchase officially licensed Cat merchandise items. Visit our licensing page to learn more about licensing with Caterpillar.

How does Caterpillar incorporate sustainability in your business? 

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. It inspires us to help our customers build a better world through products and services that help fulfill society’s basic needs – such as shelter, clean water, education and reliable energy – in a sustainable way. 

What is Caterpillar doing to support global efforts, like the Paris Agreement, to reduce the impact of climate change?

Caterpillar is committed to contributing to a reduced-carbon future. We demonstrate this in many ways, including through our significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our operations and our continued investment in new products, technologies and services to help our customers achieve their climate-related objectives as they build a better, more sustainable world. 

Learn More About Climate and Energy at Caterpillar

How is Caterpillar taking steps to reduce environmental impact from the company's operations? 

In 2021, Caterpillar released seven new sustainability goals – five focused on climate and environmental-related improvements and two on our employee and customer safety. To view examples of sustainability in action and progress against our goals, please visit our sustainability webpage. 

View Our Sustainability Report

Where can I find more information about human rights, modern slavery or human trafficking?

Caterpillar is committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights principles throughout our global operations. 

Read Our Human Rights Policy

How do I contact the helpdesk?

Employees may contact the Enterprise Service Center at 1-309-494-4357 or 1-866-685-4357 or chat by accessing the link on Cat @work (log in required). For your local service center, employees may click here (log in required).

How do I contact the Enterprise IT Service Center?

To contact the Enterprise Service Center (ESC) via phone in the U.S., dial 1-309-494-4357 or 1-866-685-4357. For employees outside the U.S. or for your local Service Center, click here (log in required) to access the appropriate contact information. Or, to initiate a chat with the ESC or access other self-service features, visit: ITatWork.cat.com.

How do I report a lost computer or asset?

Employees may report a Caterpillar IT asset lost or stolen by contacting the Enterprise Service Center (ESC). In the U.S., dial 1-309-494-4357 or 1-866-685-4357. For employees outside the U.S. or for your local Service Center, click here (log in required) to access the appropriate contact information. Or, to initiate a chat with the ESC or access other self-service features, visit: ITatWork.cat.com.

Who do I call if I have a problem with my CWS log in?

If you are having problems logging on to a CWS-protected website or have forgotten your CWS password, contact the Enterprise Service Center. In the U.S., dial 1-309-494-4357 or 1-866-685-4357. For employees outside the U.S. or for your local Service Center, click here (log in required) to access the appropriate contact information. Or, to initiate a chat with the ESC or access other self-service features, visit: ITatWork.cat.com. 

Where can employees go for assistance while traveling?

The Risk Fusion Center is available to support travelers 24/7. The center can be reached via email: Caterpillar_Risk_Fusion_Center@cat.com, phone: +1-309-494-4460 or SMS/MMS: +1-309-201-4914.

How can U.S. retirees find health care information?

Retirees and families can visit Benefits.cat.com, contact the Caterpillar Benefits Center (login required) or call them at 1-877-228-4010 (PIN required).

How can current employees and families find more information about worklife benefits?

Worklife benefits for U.S. employees, including the Employee Assistance Program, can be found at TotalHealth.cat.com.

How can I become a supplier for Caterpillar?

Can I use Caterpillar's photography or logos?

To request approval to use Caterpillar’s logos, photos, video footage or technical materials, click here.

Can I visit Caterpillar?

The Caterpillar Visitor Center is located at 110 S.W Washington St., Peoria, Illinois. Your visit includes a virtual ride in the bed of a massive two-and-a-half story Cat 797F Mining Truck, simulators, history and so much more! For more information on tickets, hours of operation or taking a virtual tour, visitcaterpillar.com.

Caterpillar customers interested in visiting Caterpillar production facilities should contact their Cat® dealer. 

How can I tour a Caterpillar facility?

Our production facilities are not open to the general public for tours. However, if you’d like more information on the Caterpillar Visitors Center, go to www.visitcaterpillar.com. Caterpillar customers interested in visiting Caterpillar production facilities should contact their Cat® dealer.